What if you need to lower the bar?

When we're struggling to get things done, our first instinct is usually to push harder. But sometimes the better move is the opposite.

Over the past couple of weeks, as my quarterly week off has gotten closer, I've noticed myself feeling tired and moving much slower than usual. The “old” me would have tried to muscle through it. Instead, I’m lowering the bar.

That doesn't mean I've stopped caring about my goals. I care about them just as much. What I've learned is that self-trust doesn't come from checking off an impressive list of accomplishments. It comes from keeping the commitments we make to ourselves. 

When we're running on empty, an ambitious plan usually just sets us up to break those commitments, and that leaves us feeling discouraged and even less motivated than before.

So instead of asking myself how much I can get done in a day, I've been asking which two or three commitments matter most. Some days that's looked like going for a walk, buying healthy groceries, or finally making that overdue doctor's appointment. 

None of it is glamorous or groundbreaking. It's just the basics. But every time I follow through, I remind myself that I can count on me.

Momentum doesn't always come from giant leaps. Sometimes it comes from one small promise kept, then another.

If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disappointed in yourself lately, try lowering the bar too. Build from where you actually are, not from where you wish your energy was. That’s how you create traction and build self-trust one kept promise at a time.

Reflection Question: What's one small commitment you can make to yourself this week that you're almost certain you'll keep?

These small moments of self-leadership are exactly what we'll be practicing together in Everyday Yellow Leadership, my 14-week coaching experience for trailblazing women of color 50+ who are ready to create more intentional, joyful, and sustainable lives. We don't build extraordinary lives by constantly pushing harder. We build them by making thoughtful choices, honoring ourselves, and creating habits we can actually sustain.

If you're curious about the program, I'd love to invite you to schedule a discovery call at this LINK. We'll explore where you are, where you want to go, and whether Everyday Yellow Leadership is the right next step for you.

If you want to get a sense of the space that we’re cultivating, check out this testimony from Kellie.